Top Ten Fantasy Rookies (NFC Edition)

The most-hyped up NFL Draft EVER has concluded and were left with a ton of possible impact rookies. An interesting tidbit to keep in mind this year is that a record 98 underclassman entered this year’s draft. This could mean that some players’ development will take a year or two longer than it usually would.

We’ll kick it off by going over the NFC’s most attractive rookies in a list of the Top Ten Fantasy Rookies.

10.) San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde (Round 2 – 57th overall)

Prior to the draft, I had Hyde tagged as the most ready for the NFL. His power style of running fits the 49ers scheme perfectly and there’s no reason he can’t compete to take over Frank Gore’s job in San Fran.

9.) Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (Round 2 – 53rd overall)

Adams was a big reason that Derek Carr’s stock skyrocketed during the draft process. His production at Fresno State was off the charts. No reason to think it will change with the Packers who fling the ball around at one the highest rates in the league.

8.) St. Louis Rams RB Tre Mason (Round 3 – 75th overall)

Mason can be the flash to new teammate and running back Zac Stacy’s punch. Pair that with new mammoth run-blocker Greg Robinson and the Rams’ should have an improved running game. Most teams have moved or are moving towards a two-back system, so don’t expect huge numbers from Mason.

7.) Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron (Round 1 – 10th overall)

Ebron looks like the benefactor of a very nice situation when grouped with the likes of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. The only issue is that his inability to block will limit his amount of snaps on the field and keep him from being an elite tight end this upcoming season.

6.) New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. (Round 1 – 11th overall)

You might be questioning this pick because the Giants recently signed lethal return man Trindon Holliday. All that much better for the young Beckham who can become even more dangerous in the return game by learning from the best. He’ll also get a ton of looks in the Giant’s new pass-first offense.

5.) Philadelphia Eagles WR Jordan Matthews (Round 2 – 42nd overall)

We all saw what quarterback Nick Foles did in the Eagles’ fast-paced offense last year. Matthews is a smart and sure-handed target for Foles to fall in love with. Without a dominant target in the wide receiver core, Matthews has a ton of fantasy upside.

4.) Carolina Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin (Round 1 – 28th overall)

Benjamin shoots up this list because the Panthers have quite possibly the worst receiver depth in all of the NFL. They’ve drafted and missed on big wide receivers before, but regardless of how good he is, it won’t limit the amount of opportunity Benjamin will see in his rookie year.

3.) New Orleans Saints WR Brandin Cooks (Round 1 – 20th overall)

There’s not many receivers who fail from working with from Drew Brees. As long as you can run routes and catch balls, something Cooks’ excels in, it will be a fruitful fantasy season. I would be shocked to see Cooks not have a much better season than Tavon Austin from a year ago. The difference is that the Saints know how to use a weapon like Cooks.

2.) Tampa Bay Bucs WR Mike Evans (Round 1 – 7th overall)

From a wide receiver standpoint, Evans steps in to a dream role with Tampa Bay. He has quarterback Josh McCown who we know can throw the ball up and fellow receiver Vincent Jackson who demands double-teams and safety help. Evans will be a hot red-zone target which former Bucs WR Mike Williams was when healthy.

1.) Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater (Round 1 – 32nd overall)

Teddy had to wait until the final pick in the first round, yet it was more than worth the wait as he gets to suit up with all-world running back Adrian Peterson. Not only does he get Peterson, he inherits the young and dynamic Cordarrelle Patterson as well as a decent and young offensive line. Bridgewater appears to have a bright future.

Is anyone missing or do you disagree with the order? Please let me know by commenting below or shooting me an email at grays@uwalumni.com.